Ovulatory Disorders :

This occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance either within the hypothalamus, the pituitary or in the ovaries. Common causes of this includes stress, excessive weight loss or weight gain, and polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries (POC) can affect up to 30% of women with infertility problems. The ovaries contain many tiny cysts and although the majority of women with PCO have normal regular cycles and have no problems conceiving, others may experience menstrual irregularities, fertility problems, excessive growth of body hair, acne and obesity. Treatment usually involves the use of drugs to correct the hormonal imbalance and stimulation of the ovaries. Alternatively, laparoscopic ovarian drilling using diathermy or laser may be performed.

Fallopian Tube Blockage :

May occur as a result of previous infection or abdominal surgery complicated by adhesions. Fluids collecting in the tube (hydrosalpinx) may become a potential source of chronic infection and may also be detrimental for the development and implantation of the embryos. Some blockages can be treated surgically; otherwise IVF treatment might be the best option

Endometriosis :

Is a condition where the tissue, which normally lines the uterus, is found at other sites in the pelvis. Bleeding occurs from these tissues at the time of menstruation causing pelvic pain and painful periods. Blood filled cysts may develop within the ovaries (chocolate cysts) also pelvic scarring may affect the motility or the potency of the fallopian tubes leading to infertility.

Treatment of endometriosis is either medical using drug therapy or surgical treatment either laparoscopically or by open surgery depending on the extent of the disease. IVF is an appropriate treatment for infertility associated with endometriosis where other methods have failed.

Cervical Factors :

Some women have antisperm antibodies within their cervical mucus or produce very little unfavorable mucus at the time of ovulation which interferes with sperm migration through the cervical canal. Hostile mucus may be by passed by intrauterine insemination with or without superovulation.

Unexplained Infertility :

Affects 20 - 25% of infertile couples, caused by factors which cannot be assessed by using conventional tests. It is not always possible to determine if, the eggs are actually released from the follicles, if the fallopian tubes are able to pick up the egg, if the sperm is capable of reaching the site of fertilisation and fertilising the egg. Intrauterine insemination using washed sperm suspended in culture medium combined with ovarian stimulation offers a simple relatively non-invasive procedure. If pregnancy does not occur within the three cycles alternative methods such as IVF should be considered which will be both diagnostic and hopefully therapeutic.

Infertility Investigations :

Assisted Reproductive Techniques :